Stress-Induced Diarrhea

Supportive Management

  • Manage stress levels.
    • Have plenty of rest. Sleep for 7-8 hours every night in a dark room, as melatonin – a powerful anti-oxidant that promotes healing through boosting the immune function – are found to be produced in higher amounts when sleeping in darkness. If sleeping in a dark room is not possible, wear an eye patch instead.
    • Take breaks from stressful situations (e.g. go for a short walk).
    • Stay away from situations that induce stress (e.g. avoid driving along congested roads, set the time advanced by 5-10 minutes to avoid stressing over being late).
    • Schedule time for hobbies and other enjoyable recreational activities. Every day, do one pleasurable activity, even just for 15 minutes. The perception of a pleasurable activity may vary from one person to another – it’s something personal. Pleasurable activities may involve simple activities such as writing a journal entry, reading a favorite book, watching a favorite movie or series, listening or singing to favorite songs, walking in nature, playing favorite sports, or taking up a new hobby (e.g. sewing, knitting, cooking).
    • Learn to say no. Acknowledge own limits.
    • Spend time with loved ones.
    • Let go of grudges. Learn to forgive.
    • Express gratitude.
    • Perform relaxation exercises (e.g. deep breathing, music therapy, meditation).
      • Deep breathing:
        • Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can be alone with yourself.
        • Sit upright in bed or chair, and find a comfortable position.
        • Place one or both hands over the abdomen, just below the ribs.
        • Deeply breathe in through the nose, while keeping mouth closed. Breathe in for a count of four.
        • Feel the abdomen rise with each inhalation, and as far as possible.
        • Through a pursed-lip, breathe out. Breathe out for a count of seven.
        • Feel the abdomen sink with each exhalation.
        • Perform deep-breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes at a time, and as many times each day.
      • Music therapy:
        • Choose a soothing, therapeutic song. Research findings indicate that music with slower tempo (60 beats per minute) induces a calming, relaxing effect. Sounds of nature (drops of rain, flowing waterfalls) are also relaxing. But the best relaxation music ultimately depends on each person’s preference – whichever music one finds relaxing (albeit upbeat or moderately loud) – may be used for music therapy.
        • Relax before and during the music therapy by performing deep breathing exercises (see instructions above).
        • Listen actively to the music. Feel the music. Focus your mind on the music, get lost in it – listen to every beat and every silence in between. Let the music’s mood influence yours.
      • Meditation:
  • Manage possible dehydrating effects from stress-induced diarrhea.
    • Take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) which includes sports drinks (e.g. Gatorade) or the commercially sold Oresol. Take one glass with each bowel movement.
    • A home-made oral rehydration solution (ORS) may also be taken. Take one glass with each bowel movement.
      • Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar
      • Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt
      • One liter of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled
    • Avoid dehydrating drinks such as caffeinated drinks (e.g. cola, coffee, tea, energy drinks), as well as alcohol.

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Herbal Medicine

  • Coconut Water
    • For fluid and electrolyte replacement
    • For every 2 glasses of plain coconut water, add 2 glasses of clean water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Take one glass with each bowel movement.

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Please note that the information provided by this tool is provided solely for educational purposes and is not a qualified medical opinion. This information should not be considered advice or an opinion of a doctor or other health professional about your actual medical state, and you should see a doctor for any symptoms you may have. If you are experiencing a health emergency, you should call your local emergency number immediately to request emergency medical assistance.